Injury Patterns in Weightlifting: An Epidemiological Analysis of Emergency Visits (2014-2023)

Limited research exists on the impact of the pandemic on weightlifting injury trends. The objective of this study was to analyze weightlifting injury trends across age and gender, comparing pre-COVID, COVID, and post-COVID periods to provide long-term data that can inform national injury prevention strategies. We hypothesize that there was a temporary dip in weightlifting injuries during COVID and a resurgence in injury rates post-COVID that could contribute to an increase in specific injury types, particularly among young males, which may reflect inadequate reconditioning.

Data was obtained from the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database for weightlifting injuries presented to United States (US) Emergency Departments from 2014 to 2023. Chi-square analyses, linear regressions, ANOVA, and Z-tests were used for data analysis.

From 2014 to 2023, there were an estimated 767,174 weightlifting-related injuries nationally. A 34.95% reduction in injury incidence occurred during the COVID period compared to pre-COVID, followed by a 47.19% increase post-COVID. Strains and sprains were the most common injuries, with incidence rates dropping 43.81% during COVID compared to pre-COVID levels and increasing 27.87% post-COVID.

There is a need for targeted injury prevention strategies, with consideration for psychosocial factors that impact younger populations.

Level 3.